1

 The purpose and goals of parent conferences What to expect How to prepare in advance How to share concerns and advocate for your child 2

 Relationship Building  1 st Trimester Report Card  Sharing: two-way exchange of information  Goal-setting  Problem-solving  Coaching: teacher may be giving parents specific tools to support learning at home  Teacher will share information about Common Core State Standards (pamphlet distribution) 3

Traditional Parent-Teacher Conferences Student-led Conferences Group Conferences 4

Establish two-way communication Address student academic progress and/or behavior Student is not present Parent and teacher work to develop a plan to ensure student success 5

 Teacher meets with students individually prior to the conference to review progress and set goals for their improvement  Students take responsibility for their learning by leading the conference and sharing their progress and work with their families  Teacher is available for consultation, if needed, but not directly involved in the conference. 6

 Meet with parents in group setting to discuss grade-level standards and anticipated progress  Discuss class expectations, grading, report cards, standards and student data  Model activities that support learning at home 7

 Review your child’s 1 st Trimester progress toward grade level Common Core State Standards (grades, citizenship and attendance)  Clarify the teaching and learning of the grade level based on the CCSS  Get to know you and your child better  Develop strategy(s) to work together to address any concerns 8

Talk with your child about school: What do you like best about school? Who do you like to play and work with at school? Are you having a hard time with anything? Do you have questions or concerns? How much time is homework taking? What is one thing you wish your teacher knew about you? 9

 Review your child’s current work and comments from past report cards  Set goals for the conference  Have questions written down  Know what you need to tell the teacher about your child 10

Samples of your child’s work that you have questions about Your Conference Planning form (we’ll complete tonight) Pen/pencil and paper for taking notes 11

 The teacher wants to hear your thoughts, ideas and concerns  Arrive on time  Let the teacher begin the meeting, but be ready with your questions  Report cards are changing to reflect progress towards Common Core State Standards  Keep your child as the focus  Listen 12

 Outline concerns  Keep emotions in check – listen, as well as talk  Assume good will and positive intentions  Bring a resource person with you, if needed  Conferences are usually minutes. Bigger concerns may need to be addressed through another meeting 13

 Thank the teacher for his/her support and partnership  Ask any final questions  Be clear on your student’s goals and plan to accomplish them  Plan follow-up and establish timeline 14

Questions? Evaluations Family and Community Engagement Department or Bonita Aytch at 15